Questions around last two digits are less common in entrance tests. However, the concept is quite simple and easy to learn. The cases below are for finding the last two digits of a number xn where x and n are integers.
4.2.1 x is a multiple of
5
Where n>1, last digit of x is 5 and tens digit of x is even, the last two digits of xn=25.
Where n>1, last digit of x is 5 and tens digit of x is odd,
1) the last two digits of xn=25, where n is even; and
2) the last two digits of xn=75, where n is odd.
4.2.2 x is a multiple of
10
Where n>1 and last digit of x is 0, the last two digits of xn=00.
4.2.3 x is a multiple of
2 but not 4
Where k is an integer, last two digits of x40k+1= last two digits of x+50.
We, therefore, split the powers and then individually multiply, as shown in the example below:
Example 18
What are the last two digits of 86283?
Solution
86 is a multiple of 2 but not 4.
∴T(86281)=T(8640×7+1)=T(86+50)=36
T(86283)=T(86281×862)=T(36×96)=T(3456)=56
Answer: 56
4.2.4 x is a multiple of
4
Where k is an integer, last two digits of x40k+1= last two digits of x.
Example 19
What are the last two digits of 20162016?
Solution
We need to find T(162016).
16 is a multiple of 4.
∴ T(1640×50+1)=T(162001)=16
T(162016)=T(162001×1615)=T(16×1615)=T(1616)
After this, we normally multiply the numbers to find the last two digits.
T(162)=56
T(164)=T(562)=36
T(163)=T(362)=96
T(1616)=T(962)=16
Answer: 16
4.2.5 x is an odd number other than
5
When the units digit of a number is 1, then there is a cyclicity in the tens digit. Using this pattern, where the last digit of x is 1, 3, 7 or 9,
1) Raise x to a power such that the units digit becomes 1. 2) The units digit of the resulting number raised to any power will always be 1. 3) The tens digit of this number is the product of the tens digit of the base and the units digit of the power.
From steps 2 and 3, if x=71486
Units digit of x=1
Tens digit of x=U(7×6)=2
Last 2 digits of 71486=21